Apparatus for treating materials



M. C. MABEE APPARATUS FOR TREATING f MATERIALS,

.original F116@ Sept. 11, v1915v Y "2. sh@ts-neuf1 Apr.. l0, 1923.

M. C. MABEE APPARATUS FOR lTREATIIIG: MATERIALS 11, 1915 2 4sheets-sheet 2 Original vFiled Sept,

CTI

Patented pr. i9, i923.,

MAY c. Manen, or TOLEDO, onto.

APPARATUS EUR' TREATNG MATERIALS.

Application filed September ll, 1915, Serial No. 50,225. Renewed June 29, 1922. Serial No, 571,766.`

- To all whom t may concern Be it known that I, MAY C. MABEE, a cit izen of the United States, residing at Toledo, in the county of Lucas and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful lmprovements in Apparatus for rTreating Mate rials, of which the following is a, specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to an apparatus for heating, evaporating, and otherwise treating liquids or substances containing liquid to change the condition or consistency thereof,

ln the artof treating fluids, and particularly that art wherein it is sought to `heat or pasteurize the material, cylindrical containors have been largely employed, the containvers havingv associated therewith means for heating the treating surface thereof, and these containers beingusually arranged vertically and having relatively movable means within the container for feeding the material from the lower or inlet end thereof to the upper outlet end of the container.

In this type of apparatus just referred to, centrifugal force has been depended upon as. the means for forcing the material out wardly into contact with the treating surfaces of the cylindrical container and for causing thematerial to flow from the lower inlet end of the container, to the upper outlet end thereof.

By the present invention, it is proposed to provide a tubular drum or container, the walls of which taper from one endto the other, and with the inlet for the material arranged adjacent that portion of the container of increased diameter, and with the i out-let for the treated material arranged adjacent that end of the tubular container of reduced diameter.

lt is also proposed to preferably arrange the tubular container vertically, or substantially vertically. with the enlarged inlet end thereof disposed uppermost with the result that the material as fed into engagement with the interior treating surface of the conw rainer. will remain in contact with said surface by the power of adhesion andthe power of gravitation, which tend to maintain the material in contact with said surface by reason of the peculiar shape and disposition of the surface.

lt has been ascertained that by theimproved apparatus contemplated herein, better and more satisfactory results are accompended upon heretofore, is substantially 65 4avoided by the peculiar construction and arrangement of the parts of the apparatus, thus further tending` to simplicity in con` struction and operation with less expenditure of power in the operation. s A

At is further contemplated by the present invention to provide means whereby the material as delivered into the enlarged `inlet end of the container will be moreevenly distributed in the form of a substantially continuous layer extending over the entire cir-- cular area of the treating surface, and whereby said layer of material is caused to move in ay spiral path over said surface as it by force of gravity seeks the lowermost or outlet end of the container, the said means preferablyk having associated therewith means whereby the treating surface is constantly niaintai'ned in a cleansed or polished condition free from adhering particles of material E or objectionable,incrustation of the material on the treating surface, which might tend to burn, scorch, or otherwise destroy the natural y flavor ofthe material being treated, and which would likewise interfere with the high and rapid heat transmission contemplated.

.rire particularly, the invention includes a tapered tubular container preferably arranged vertically with'an inlet for the mate'- rial adjacent the enlarged end ofthe con- 9 tainer which yis disposed uppermost and an outlet adjacent the base of the container,l means for applying to the treating surface of the container a temperature different from that of the material to betreated, and means within the container, the said means and the said treating surface being relatively movable about a vertical axis whereby the'mate- '..l as fed into the container is caused to ve longitudinally thereof towards the out.- let. and is also causedto move in layer for` mation spirally over said treating surface.v

The invention further includes lmeans whereby theheating medium is caused to 1m move in a helical course around the tapered treating surface, 'Other and further improvements and i Asin'iilarly tapered. tubular novel details in the construction and arrangement of the various parts of the apparatus will be pointed out in the description to follow, which for a clear understanding thereof is to be considered in connection with the accompanying)` drawings, which torni a part hereof7 and wherein is disclosed for the purpose oi' illustration a convenient and satisfactory embodiment of the invention.

ln the accompanying drawings7 while a. preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, yet it is to understood that many minor changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

ln the drawingst- Figure l is a vertical section oi a preferred embodiment oi the invention.

.Figure 2 is a top plan; and

VFigure 3 is a transverse section substantially en the line 3-33 ot Figure ``/Vith more partifxula reference to the drawings, wherein like reference nui'nerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views, l is a verticallydisposed tubular container, the inner surface or which constitutes the treating; surface proper for the material, which surface gradual y tapers from a relatively enlarged upper end to the lower end thereof of reduced diameter. Surrounding the wall i of the container is a v aclfet 2 oli' somewhat greater diameter than th at of the container l whereby to form between the l and 2r achainber for the reception of a temperature transmitting` medium to be hereinafter more particularly referred to. rThe arlet 2 at its top and bottom is termed with annular oiiiset flanges 3 and el connecting` with the outer surface of the container l. Mounted on the wall l or the container is an annular wall 57 said wall in the embodiment oit the invention illustrated. lbeing' disposed within the container and secured to the wall l thereof as at G, said wall 5 tapering" in an opposite direction to the taper of the wall l whereby to provide a trough or receptacle for the reception of supply of material 7 to be tr ted. The wall y5 is provided with one or more annular series oi apertures 8 whereby to deliver the material from .the annular trough onto the interior surface of the wall l at a plurality 'of points circumerentially of thetreating surface, Any suitable means may be einployed for delivering the material to be treated vinto the annular trough above reerredrto. rlhe annular trough for the material preferably terminates at a. point above and adjacentto the upper end of the kannularjavclret 2 whereby the temperature transmitting medium will act upon the material after delivery onto the treat-ing` surface.

rlhe receiv'v4 .i chamber lor the temperature transmitting medium is convenienti rthe chambeil adjacent the ,ies

divided by lielicallj.'Y disposed partition i) whereby to cause the material to iiow in a circular path over the outer surface of the wall l in a. general downward vdirection which tends to increase the speed of the liow of the temiiierature transmitting medium. The temperature transmitting medium is preferably steam a high y'temi erature, saine being;u delivered by a pipinwv 91, from any suitable source and ha# inlet into er end vas indicated at lo. Yi

,feter ot condensation the base ot the jacket 2 1l. A

rilhe material as delivered apertures 8 will,`o\viug to the gravity flow downwardly over the interior` wall or treating;` surtace oi the container l, the said movement being gradual because of the power of adhesion, and the body oit steam over the opposite su .ace or said wall l will res-ult in rapid l 'gli heat transmission to the instel-inl, the ".'apors being allowed to pass olf into a central zone witl in the iihn or layer ot material. Conveniently, unrestricted outlets for these vapors or Lgases are provided both the top' and bottom of the container, thousrh in. this cimnection7 it is to be borne in mind that ror certain treatments it may be de'irable to close one or both ends orp the conta-nien illspecially is this true in vthe event the apparatus is to be used in connection with iridtiple effect system7 when both ends of container will be closed with one end hayinp; an opening connnunicati:igl with the por Zone within the hlm or layer ot material whereby to connect with a second unit or effect in the system. ln the event the container is provided with open ends. a satisfactory torni of construction is illustrated in the drawing, wherein the top ot ceptacle has a substantially unropeninc; from edge to edge thereof7 wherein an openingu l2 is provided at the base thereof.

The wall i at the base thereof is provided with an inwardly and upwardly extending flange or projection i3 forming an annular receiving trough or receptacle le for t treated material, an outlet i5 connecti with said annular receiving receptacle and `leading t fili his

ing arranged centrally olf the space within the liange ill, and conveniently secured to said flange as by arms 17. 1S is a shaft having a bearing at its lower end within the bearing l and projecting at its upper end above the top ot' the container and having associated therewith means tor rotating the same at a. suiiicient speed to impart circumferential movement while at the saine time permitting simultaneous dowi'iward movement under torce oi gravity.

ln the embodiment oit' the invention illustra-ted, the shalt is conveniently rotated through the medium ot a belt or other drive .i9 (cut-away in the drawing) mounted upon a suitable pulley ,2O ied to the shaft i8, said pulley having extended tlanges l. whereby Vto maintain the belt in proper posi.- tion on the pulley. A dish-shaped abutment -member or bearing 22 sleeved upon the shaft i8 is suitably supported trom the container as by arms projerting across tue top oit the container and secured to the upper edges oi" the wall l. il cooperating disl-z or abuttf ment member 2311 is secured to the shalt at a point above and adjacent the bearing.

22 whereby to engage the latter in the rotatable movement ot the shatt, and in this connection, it desired, suitable ball bearings :lio may be inserted between opposed surfaces may be used, but in the illustration, only two oi said members are shown, they being arranged opposite to one another and niounted upon annular rims or i'ianges 25 and 26 respectively, secured to spokes or webs 2T and 28 respectively removably fixed to the shalt 18 in any desired manner as illustrated at 29 and 30 respectively. Freu jerting between the annular members and are inclined arms 3l preferably taking the torni ot angle bars having secured thereto as at 32 suitable wiper members 33 of suitable material which latta" are adapted to move adjacent to or in wiping Contact, with (preferably the latter), the interior or treating su ritace olAl the container l. lt is' obvious oi course, that the wiper members may talle various 'forms and constructions, and that brushes or the lilie may be utilizar instead oi' the yieldable material illustrated. The arms il are preferably otlset outwardly as illust-rated at 31a, whereby to impart a downward tendency to the flow oit' the material as the arms are rotated, and in this conneet-ion. the container is preferably provided adjacentJ its up )er end at a point above the inlet opening 1S with an internal annular flange 34, whereby to constitute an obstruction or abutment, to overcome any tendency ot' the material flowing upwardly under the action oi the rotatable arms 8l.

The operation may be reviewed as follows:

The material being `ted into the annular receptacle at the top ofl the container i'inds i y'following a helical course in a downward direction around said surface until it inds an outlet at ll. upper end begins where the motion ot the material within the container commences, and ends at the lower extremity where the motion terminates, .with the result that the ent-ire heating surface is used advanta; geously, and none oit the products will be allowed to burn, scorch or otherwise have imparted thereto an injurious flavor because oi" unequal heat transmission. The attraction of gravity being in a vertical line, the action ot the present apparatus distinguishes from prior similar apparatus., wherein the in-aterial is forced outwardly and 'formed in layer by centrifugal force and maintained in layer 'form by centrifugal force while moved trom the lower to theupp'er end of the container, since in the present apparatus, the material as fed into the container adheres to the treating surface owing to the power of adhesion or the attraction of bodies of different natures to each other, and the power of gravitation which tends to draw the body towards the gradually tapering surface of the container. nstead ot 'forcing the material outwardly and holding the material outwardly by centrifugal torce, the material is forced inwardly and spirally downward by virtue ot the peculiar construction contempiated herein. rlhe material entering through the apertures 8 and coming in contactwith the interior suri'f'ace of the container is engaged by the upper end ot' the revolving wipers and formed into a continuous circular movable sheet or layer. As the material reaches the lowerv end of the container, it falls into the annular reteiving chamber lll, and finds an outlet through the conduit l5 which is the outlet being pieten ably tangentially disposed.

Owing to the helical arrangement of pare titions i) in the steam chamber, the steam will trarel at a higher velocity, and the condensation wil`l readily flow over the helically disposed surfaces provided by the partitions 9, tl ereby leaving the exterior suritace oit the wall l substantially tree 'from water of condensation, and allowing the heat to be transmitted more readily.

lt will be observed that while the wiper members 5l are described as Apreferably ro- The steam chamber at the` tatable at approximately a certain speed, and the heat transmitting medium, steam, at preferred teinperat it is to be un- Llerstood that the 'speed or rotation of the wife-r members well the temperature of vthe heat transmitting medium may be varied to suit conditions in, ac: Ace with the desired treatment, the material being treated. rl`he figures mentioned in the description are illustrative and the construction operating in accoiuance therewith has proven highly satisfactoiw for the purpose of heating` and pasteurizing, but the use of the struc-ture is not to be limited in this respect, since ob.'iously, it is within con-- templation of the present invention otherwise treat mate .l as the evaporation of water from substances, reduction of sul'istances to pov-:den etc.

ln my copendingu application, Serial lla 510,224, l have illustrated a construction somewhat similar to that illustrated and described herein, but in the said copendine,` application the elongated vertically disposed tubular wall is in the form ot a cylinder as distinguished from being' inclined or tapered inwardly from the upper edge thereof to the lower edge thereof, as disclosed herein; and do not herein claim any subjects-matter specifically claimed in the said copenilingv application Serial No. 50,224.

llVhat is claimed is:

l. ln an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a tubular con tainer, the inner surface of which tapers substantially from end to end, means for externally applying heat to the wall of said container, said container having an inlet for the material treated adjacent that end thereof of greater diameter, and an outlet adjacent the opposite end thereof, means within the container extending` longitudinally thereof adjacent the inner surface, means for imjiarting` a relative rotatable movement between said means and wall of the container, the said longitudinally eX- tending means operating` to spread the inaterial circumit'erentially overthe surface of the container, said container havingI at one end an opening for the free escape of vapors from the central Zone of the container.

2. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tubular container, the inner surface of which tapers substantially fromV end to end thereof, means for applyingu to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material to be treated, said container having,r an inlet for the material to be treated adjacent the enlarged end at the periphery thereof, and an outlet adjacent the opposite end thereof, and said container hafx'iing` a relatively central opening at one end for the free escape of vapors, means within the container extending,` longitudinally thereof adjacent the treating surface, and means for imparting rotatable movement between said .means and said treating surface, whereby to maintain a movable layer of material under treatment from its point of introduction to its enit from the container.

ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tubular container, the wall of which tapers ,from end to end, means for applying; to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the i'i'iaterial to be treated, said container having;` its enlarged end an inlet and at its smaller end an outlet for the material, a longitudinally extending member within the container adapted to contact the treating` surface thereof, means for imparting a relative circumferential movement between said means and the treating surface wherebyv to positively spread the material circumiiorentially over sait surface and cause the saine to move circumferentially in the form of a layer in contact with said surface, and an outlet in one end of the container for the escape of vapors.

fl. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tubular container having;` a central quiet zone, the wall of which gradually tapers inwardly from the inlet to the outlet end thereof, means for applying' to the wall of the container a heat transmitting medium of a high temperature, means whereby the material is allowed to flow by force of gravity while in contact with the wall of the container from the inlet to the outlet end thereof, and means whereby the material is applied in layer formation circumferentially over the treating` surface and caused to rotate while in laver formation over said surface, said container having an opening; at one end for the escape of vapors from the central quiet zone within the layer of material.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardly from the top to the bottom thereof, said container having an inlet in its side wall for the material adjacent said enlareed top and an outlet for the treated material adjacent the bottom thereof-,means whereby the material is caused to move downwardly over the treating surface While subjected to a positive rotatablevmovement in layer formation circumferentially over said surface, means for applying to the wall of the container a heat transmittinp,` medium of high temperature, and said container being; open at opposite ends for the escape of vapors.

6. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the Wall of which tapers inwardly from the top to the bottom igienica thereof, said container having an inlet at its side for the material adjacent said enlargedl mation circumferentially over said surface said inlet for the material being arranged at a plurality of points circumferentially of the container, and said container being constructed whereby to provide a free escape for the vapors.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardly from the top to the bottom thereof, said container having an inlet for the material adjacent said enlarged top and an outlet for the treated material adjacent the bottom thereof, means for applying heat to the wall of the container, and means within the container extending longitudinally thereof adjacent the inner surface and in yieldable contact therewith adapted to apply the material in layer formationr extending over said surface and to wipe the surface of the container, and said container having a free end escape for the vapors from the center of the container.

8. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tapered tubular container having an inlet for the material adjacent the enlarged end thereof and an outlet adjacent the opposite end thereof, means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material being treated, and the inlet for the material being arranged at the periphery of the container and adapted to deliver' the material at a plurality of points circumferentially of the container, means for imparting positive rotatable movement to the material while permitting lengthwise movement of the material downward over the tapered surface, and said containerI having a free opening for the escape of vapors from the central zone within the layer of material.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tapered tubular container with the enlarged end uppermost, means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material being treated, mea-ns for feeding the material to the inner surface of the container at a plurality of points about the circumference thereof, adjacent the enlarged upper end thereof, an outlet for the material adjacent the base thereof, and surface engaging means for causing the material as it moves from end to end of the container to assume a movable circular layer formation over the surface of the container.

l0. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardly from the top thereof, means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material being treated., said container having in its side wall a plurality of inlet openings for the material arranged circumferentially adjacent the enlarged upper end thereof and an outlet adjacent the base thereof for the treated material, a plurality of simultaneously rotatable spaced surface engaging conveyor and wiper members, and said container being open atopposite ends for the free discharge of vapor 11. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardlyA from top to bottom, a jacket surrounding the wall of the container, means for introducing a heating medium into the space between the wall of said container and said jacket, a member cooperating with the wall of the container adjacent the top 'thereof to form a receptacle for material, said receptacle having a discharge for feeding the material to the inner surface of the container at4 a plurality of circumferentially spaced points, a movable wiper member within the container to engage said surface, and the container having a free escape for the vapors arising in the central portion of the container.

l2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardly from top to bottom, a jacket surrounding the wall of the container, means for introducing aheating medium into the space between the wall of said container and said jacket, a member cooperating with the wall of the container adjacent the top thereof to form a receptacle for material, said receptacle having an opening at a plurality of points circumferentially of the container for feeding the material to the inner surface of the container, and a movable wiper member within the container to engage said surface, said container having an opening at opposite ends for the escape of vapors.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container the wall of which tapers inwardly from top to bottom, a jacket surrounding the wall of the container, means for introducing a heating megage said surface, said receptacle having an annular receiving trough for the treated material at the base thereof and an outlet from said trough.

le. ln an apl'iaratus of the character described, the combination of a tapered tubular container having an inlet for the mate; rial adjacent one end and an outlet adjacent the opposte end, means for causing the material to assume a movable layer formation over the inner surface of the container and for permitting the material to move from the inlet to the outlet end of the container, said container having a free end discharge for the ready escape of vapors arising in the central portion of the conta'iner and means for causing a heat-ing medium to move in a spiral path eXtc-riorlfvv over the wall of the treating surface of the container.

l5. ln an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a vertically disposed tubular container having` an inlet at the top andan outlet at the base thereof, the inner treating surface of the container taperiim` inwardly towards the base thereof whereby the material will flow downwardly over said surface by force of gravity and power of adhesion, spaced yieldable members for spreading the material in layer formation circumferentially over said surface,

said container being open at opposite ends,

and means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from the material being treated.

In an apparatus of the character deecribed, the combination of a. vertically disposed tubular container, the wall of which tapers inwardly from the top to the base thereofn said container' having an inlet adjacent the top thereof, an internal flange adjacent the top of the container above the inlet for the material, means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material being treated, and a rotatable wiper member eX- tending longitudinally of the container adco of the material being treated, said container and an outlet adjacent the base for ated material, and a rotatable member extending longitudinally of the container adjacent the inner surface thereof, the upper end of said member being offset, eaid conveyor member being rotatable at a high speed whereby to positively maintain rotatable movable layer, and said conveyor having a free escape for vapors centrally of the layer.

18.` ln an apparatus of the character des: ribed the combination of a vertically disposed open ended tubular container having a stationary treating surface tapering inwardly from the top to the bottom thereof, means for introducing the material to 4be treated directly on to said treating surface at the upper edge thereof at a plurality of points circumferentially thereof, exterior means for applying steam at a high temperature to said surface, and separated members of yieldable material extending longitudinally of the treating surface and adapted to contact therewith, said separated members being adapted to rotate at a high speed whereby to maintain a continuously moving rotatable layer of material as it falls downwardly over the treating surface by force of gravity.

ln testimony whereof l hereunto affix my s gnature.,

MAY C. MABEE.

i' an inlet adjacent the enlarged end. 

